Soothe Your Ears With The Melody of Mist-clad Hills

Imagine a land that is as picturesque and pristine as one
can imagine - large parts covered with lush evergreen forests, spectacular
valleys dominated by snow-clad mountains through which labyrinthine
streams and gurgling rivers meander, trying to escape but going nowhere.
You bend to pick up an exotic flower you have never seen before, and your
thirst for a rendezvous with life diffuses away with the euphoric tunes of
a guitar, a melody that steps candidly to your heart. The land is no other
than the angelic Arunachal Pradesh tucked away in the fairytale valleys of
Northeast. Flanked on three sides by China, Myanmar and Bhutan, Arunachal
is Indias most far-flung state. The state is a home to many tribes
dwelling amidst its virgin, untouched-by-modernity environs, still
nurturing their ancient culture and customs. Do you need anymore reasons
to visit this wild and exotic region of India? Come and experience the
grandeur of its majestic mountains, taste adventure in its roaring rivers
and mingle with the fascinating tribes that call it home....

Itanagar - A Kaleidoscope By The Lake

The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is an impeccable blend
of twin towns - Naharlagun, the older town and Itanagar, the political
capital - presenting a very picturesque aspect of past and present, like a
bouquet of forgotten and expected. Itanagar, nestling on the shores of the
tranquil Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) derives its name from Ita Fort, an
ancient annal in stones that traces its pedigree to the 14-15th century.
Portraying a diverse cultural domain, the capital houses many people from
all over the country. Itanagar is noted as an archaeological site for its
numerous heritage monuments dotting the terrain, that only add to the
beauty of this historic state. Visit the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, a
kaleidoscope of the states rich cultural heritage displayed in a
mode of exquisite artifacts. Wander around and you will be overwhelmed to
see beautiful wood carvings, traditonal musical instruments, gorgeous
textiles and many archaeological finds. Tourists can also get an insight
view about the cottage cane industry by stepping into the Handicrafts
Centre, roosting inside the museum precincts.

Many Ways To Discover And Rediscover Yourself

The sprawling greens of Arunachal Pradesh affords some
ancient monasteries, chortens and notable excavations that
cast their shadows on the history and tradition of these mist-clad hills.
Enjoy a mind-blowing trek through the step-cut hills of Tawang Valley to
visit the 17th century Tawang Monastery. Surrounded by clouds atop a hill,
the legendary shrine is an encyclopedia of the spiritual life of the
Gelugpa Buddhists. Dwelling at an altitude of 10,000 ft, the monastery
also houses a 28-foot high Golden Buddha, that is to be seen to be
believed. Pay your homage at Malinithan, caressing the ruins and relics of
stone temples dating back to the 14-15th century. The Krishna temple is of
great religious significance to the Hindus and is thronged by pilgrims
during Janmashtami festivals in August. And if you plan your holiday in
January, and your timeline intersects with that of Makar Sankranti on the
religious graph, you can see thousands of devotees taking holy dips in the
mountain lake of Parasuramkund, which has deep mythological connotations.
This annual migration is in itself a thing to behold. Spend a few moments
alone with the nature at the picturesque Akashi-Ganga waterfalls.

The Famous Tawang Monastery

Gateways To A Happy Holiday

Dirang :
Drive from Bomdila to reach Bhalukpong, the gateway to Dirang. Nestling
in the womb of Buddhism, Dirang is dotted with Kalchakra monasteries and Gompas.
Refresh yourself with the gurgling waters of the nearby hot springs, said
to have medicinal value.

Bomdila : Travel on the metalled road from Tezpur to reach Bhalukpong. Remember to
visit the Craft Centre, a pleasurable initiative by the Arunachal
government to bolster rural craftsmenship. You can even shop for a few
colourfully designed carpets for your loved ones. Dont miss a
rafting experience on Kameng river.

Jengging : Drive from Pasighat via Along to reach the base of Namcharua peak. Start
your day with a jungle hunt in the wilds of Mauling National Park. In the
afternoon, visit Pegu Lake and Nubo Bridge and devote your evenings to see
the awe-inspiring War Dance of Miniyong.

Deomali : Drive from Naharkatia and Margherita via Dharak to reach this pristine
destination. Mingle with the tribal people roosting in the interiors of
this village and get to know their cultural traditions and bygone way of
survival.

A Rush of Adrenaline With Adventures on High Hills

Where there is a will, there is a way. And where there is
a hill, adventure is sure to follow. Arunachal, especially the region
between Bomdila and Tawang, is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers.
The region is trimmed with magnificent passes and peaks, gurgling rivers
and waterfalls, hot springs and picturesque lakes, that surely refreshes
every weary soul. One can also spends days, sitting by the shimmering
rivulets rich in mahseer, an extra-ordinary angling to be
performed. River rafting on the Siang amidst river dolphins and a medley
of water birds can also be an uplifting experience. The tourism department
is taking initiatives in establishing an Aerosports Institute in
Arunachal, that will entertain tourists with para- and hang- gliding,
ballooning, microlight flying etc., all under one roof.

Memorable Tour Circuits In Arunachal

There are numerous tour operators in Arunachal that help
tourists with alluring itineraries through the heart of this north-east
state. the tours generally include trips to Buddhist monasteries, Indian
memorials and a picnic at any tourist spots that have an idiosyncratic
charm of their own.

Tezpur - Bhalukpur - Bomdila - Tawang

Beginning at Tezpur in Assam, the holiday tour circuit take you through
many spectacularly scenic paths upto Tawang Monastery. The famous Tipi
Orchidarium is only 5 km from Bhalukpong on this itinerary. You can even
have the pleasure to visit the orchid sanctuary at Sessa. Creating an
altogether different experience, the route also passes through Bomdila, a
tribal heartland nestling at 8,500 ft. Enroute falls Sela, at 14,000 ft,
the worlds second highest pass. Spend some time beside the crystal
blue Lake Paradise, which reflects the majestic mountains in its womb.

Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat

The route takes you from the bustling capital to the beautiful town of
Ziro, located on a 5,000 ft high plateau. Drive 30 km from Ziro to reach
the picturesque Taley Valley. With a tranquil ambience floating all over
the terrain, this is surely a pad to kick back your holiday afternoons.
Enjoy rafting on Subansiri river, shimmering near Daporijo. You can also
trek on the high hills and look for rare exotic species of birds and
animals. And if you want more of them them, visit Pasighat, on the banks
of Siang, home to the famous Dr. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tinsukia - Tezu - Hayulyang

Dont miss the oppotunity to elevate your consciousness by bathing
in the holy lake of Parasuramkund, ata stones throw from Tezu. Drive
a short distance to visit Walong, housing a war memoriall to Indian
soldiers killed here during the Chinese aggression. Wake up early to see a
magnificent play of colours behind Dong Valley, where the first sunrise in
India is witnessed. Besides, tourists can also visit Dong village, famed
to be the easternmost village in India, after an 8 km trek from Walong.

Entry Formalities

Owing to its strategic location, foreigners need a
restricted area permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh (even Indians require
permits). The permit allows a visitor to remain in Arunachal for a maximum
period of 10 days. The permit can be easily obtained from all Indian
missions abroad, foreigners registration offices at New Delhi,
Mumbai or Kolkata and in India from the FRROs or the Home Commissioner,
Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian tourists require an Inner Line
Permit, which can be issued by the office of the Resident/Deputy Resident
Commissioner/Liason Officer at New Delhi.

Drive Your Way

If you are coming by air, disembark at Tezpur in Assam,
which houses the nearest airport, 225 km from Itanagar. Regular helicopter
services are operated by Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Services (APHS)
between Guwahati and Naharlagun, every Mon, Tue, Wed and Sun. Helicopter
services have also been introduced which connects numerous tourist
destinations in and near Arunachal. Pawan Hans helicopters has three
flights a week between Itanagar and Guwahati and shuttle services around
this northeast state. the nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 60
km from Itanagar. However, if you want to imbibe all the beauty of this
riverine state, come by road. From Guwahati, drive on NH 52 to reach
Itanagar, 429 km away. Direct buses are also available from Guwahati, the
capital of Assam. There are majorly two routes to come to Arunachal -
through the Bomdila - Sela - Tawang region and through Tezpur. However,
starting from Tezpur is always advisable because of its proximity to
Guwahati.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal - The Land of The Rising Sun
Wake up to the first sunlight of India in Arunachal Pradesh during
your holiday vacations. Savour a mug of herbal tea and rejoice the
scenic beauty of this magical state. The state is a home to many
tribes dwelling amidst its virgin aura, still nurturing their ancient
culture and customs.

Itanagar - The Heritage Capital
The state capital derives its name from Ita Fort, an ancient brick
fort situated here. Itanagar is noted as an archaeological site and
for its Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) that chill the ambience of this hilly
sliver.

A Celebration of Devotion
Arunachal boasts of many ancient monasteries and forgotten shrines,
surrounded by clouds of devotion. Visit the famous tawang Monastery
portraying the spiritual life of the Gelugpa Buddhists. The ruins and
relics of the Krishna temple at Malinithan is also a must see for
every tourist.

A Celebration With Nature
A climate varying from tropical to temperate and alpine has made
Arunachal a bio-diverse hotspot tourist destination. Four of the great
cats range through its forests together with other visious species of
reptiles that crawl over the arms of dense forests. Interestingly, one
of Asia's largest orchidariums is at Tipi in Arunachal.

For An Exotic Adventure Thrill
The hills of Arunachal are famous as superb adventure pads all over
the country. Go anywhere and you will get enough options to enjoy your
hearts out. Visit Bomdila and Tawang, a paradise for trekkers and
mountaineers.

Let
yourself go wild amidst the deep forests and picturesque rivers of
North-East India before savouring on the ancient treasures still
preserved by the tribals in these parts.Duration: 9 Days / 8 NightsPrice Starts From: US$ 499

The
itinerary along the banks of holy rivers brings you the yoga
experience at Varanasi Ghats and the divine charm of visiting the Lord
of the Universe at Puri. Duration: 12 Days / 11 NightsPrice Starts From: US$ 499